Liverpool and Real Madrid face future match restrictions in Champions League

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From the 2026/27 Champions League season, Liverpool and Real Madrid will face new restrictions that prevent the two clubs from facing each other at the same venues for three consecutive group stage campaigns. UEFA has introduced a regulation aimed at maintaining fixture variety and balance, which disallows the repetition of home-and-away fixtures between the same teams across three successive group phase meetings.

Due to this rule, if Liverpool and Real Madrid find themselves drawn in the same group again in 2026/27 or beyond, Liverpool will not be allowed to host Real Madrid at Anfield. Instead, the fixture must take place at Real Madrid’s home stadium, Santiago Bernabéu. This measure only applies to group stage matches and does not affect knockout rounds or other phases of the competition.

The repeated encounters between these two European powerhouses have been frequent and heavily tilted in Real Madrid’s favor in recent years. Since 2009, Liverpool and Real Madrid have met nine times in the Champions League, with Real Madrid winning seven of those clashes—including two finals. Liverpool, despite their historic stature and sporadic successes, have only secured one victory against the Spanish side since 2018.

This UEFA fixture rotation rule responds to the historical dominance and frequent repeat matchups, aiming to keep the Champions League group stage fresh and competitive by varying matchup locations and preventing fixture monotony. It reflects an effort to enhance competitive integrity and maintain fan interest by diversifying match experiences for clubs and supporters alike.